After a car accident, checking for bumps, bruises, or any sign of injury is the first order of business, so when you don’t see anything immediately alarming, it’s safe to assume you made it out unscathed. But what happens when you start feeling dizzy, your head hurts, and you become sensitive to light and noise the day after your accident? There’s a good chance you have a concussion.
Most of the time, mild concussions don’t immediately show symptoms, leading you to believe you are uninjured. Symptoms can show up to hours or even days later, so it’s important to understand how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you through a claim that can quickly become complex – our team at Hoffman Law Firm is here to support you.
Keep reading to learn more about mild concussions, what is needed to support your claim, and how we can help you recover.
What is a Mild Concussion (and Why is it Often Called an “Invisible Injury”)?
A mild concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury, or a mild TBI. As with any TBI, it is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a sudden impact to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
Mild concussions can occur in various incidents, such as:
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- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Workplace accidents
Concussions affect millions every year. These types of TBIs are often referred to as an “invisible injury,” which means there is no visible wound, the victim never loses consciousness, and MRIs or CT scans appear normal. Even though they’re called invisible, mild concussions can cause long- and short-term issues affecting how a person thinks, acts, and feels on a daily basis.
Common Symptoms of a Mild Concussion After an Accident
Concussions don’t present the same way for every individual – some symptoms appear immediately, while others may take hours or days to appear. Mild TBIs can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from physical to cognitive to even social.
Mild concussion symptoms include:
- Physical symptoms:
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Lack of energy
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting (early on)
- Vision problems
- Cognitive symptoms:
- Attention or concentration issues
- Feeling slowed down
- Brain fog
- Short- or long-term memory issues
- Emotional/social symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Heightened emotional response
- Sadness
- Sleep-related symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Sleeping more than usual or less than usual
Why a Mild Concussion in a Personal Injury Claim is Difficult to Prove
Even though they are serious, mild concussions are usually not life-threatening. However, they can still cause short- and long-term effects that impact your daily life.
Victims are often met with skepticism since mild TBIs are considered an invisible condition, as imaging tests may not show signs of damage. The only tests for a concussion are neurophysical or neurocognitive tests that assess issues with learning, memory, concentration, and problem-solving. The issue? All of these topics can be subjective.
Due to the possible invisibility of a mild concussion, insurance companies may question the validity or severity of your condition. They may argue it as a temporary setback, and that your symptoms are exaggerated, unrelated to the accident, or caused by a pre-existing condition. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney on your side to fight for your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
How Our Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help You
When you have an invisible injury, medical records alone aren’t going to cut it. Having a skilled legal team by your side who knows your story, has done the research, and has gathered the evidence needed to support your medical records is essential to receiving the compensation necessary for your recovery.
Evidence can include:
- Medical expert testimony (neurologist or other medical professionals)
- Neuropsychological testing
- Personal journals that show a detailed log of your symptoms and how they have affected your day-to-day life
- Witness testimony from friends, family, or coworkers who can speak to the changes you’re facing since the incident
Contact Hoffman Law Firm if You’re Struggling with Concussion Symptoms After an Accident
When you’ve been in an accident, you don’t have to suffer in silence from an invisible injury. Our team at Hoffman is experienced in handling traumatic brain injury cases, helping our clients seek justice while they focus on recovery. From medical bills to lost wages and everything in between, leave it to Hoffman.
With offices in Georgetown, SC, and Charleston, SC, our personal injury law firm supports accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the leading workers’ compensation lawyers in Charleston and Georgetown, we have established a reputation for success and exceptional service.
Schedule your free consultation today with a personal injury attorney in Charleston or Georgetown, SC, and we will take it from there.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney advertising. Hoffman Law Firm is licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
